cw: mentions of food (diluc’s part), use of childe’s real name, modern au, fluff, a smidge of angst
word count: 1.3k
synopsis. aside from the five love languages, how do these individuals express their love?
notes. i wasn’t kidding when I said i won’t post consistently huh? also, guess who got absolutely wrecked by school? haha that’s right, me :’))
anyways, thank you for waiting and please enjoy the new trainwreck that my brain came up with, because i know i did. love, chi <3
Diluc
diluc’s unconventional love language is food, and by extension, cooking.
i believe that the man is a great cook. have you seen his signature dish? it looks really, really good.
not many people know that he can cook, so getting to eat meals made by him pretty much means that he considers you an important person in his life.
so you might be asking, why would diluc’s love language be food? well…
it started when crepus thought it was time for both of his sons to learn how to make strawberry pancakes at 6:30 in the morning during a school day.
after little diluc burnt his first pancake, he sat down tasting the bitterness of his hard work.
despite the acrid taste on his tongue and the scowl directed at his cackling brother, his heart was full as his father gave him a new plate of picture perfect pancakes and strawberries.
though diluc was young, he could sense that those pancakes were crepus’ way of showing his affection.
from then on, he adopted his father’s way of showing love.
back then, diluc had all the time in the world to cook for the people he cherished, but as of right now? he’s a busy man with little to no time to spend in the kitchen.
between attending company meetings, running a bar, and making sure the winery meets demand, he’d rather order out or let the maids cook for him.
but he does make an exception, and that exception is you.
when you two got together, he asked what your favorite food was. after you answered his question, he held onto his chin and nodded.
the next day, you find yourself with a week’s worth of your favorite meal delivered to your doorstep by his personal driver.
this would continue on for each week after the first, with new dishes from cuisines all over teyvat. diluc didn’t stop until you decided to tell him it was appreciated but unnecessary, especially since he was already wrapped up with work.
you swore he almost looked like a kicked puppy that day.
occasionally though, you’d get food deliveries that were already paid for.
you knew who it was from and sent a thank you message to diluc straight away.
he replied back with an, “i remember that you mentioned this restaurant in passing. enjoy the food, [name].”
thinking about it, his love language shines the most when you move in with him.
when you’re visibly tired or stressed coming home from work, count on him to bring you a piping hot moon pie paired with a tender kiss on the forehead.
while you’re occupied with cleaning the penthouse, he would be preparing a lunch for two.
when the final cabinet is neat and organized, you stroll towards the kitchen where you find diluc in front of the stove. you wrap your arms around his torso and rest your head on his back, “hi.”
he laughs breathlessly, “hi.”
after those rare fights where you’re both exhausted from trying to get a point across, he’d go to the kitchen to clear up his thoughts.
just when you start tearing up at the thought of diluc leaving, he comes back with a small plate of apples, oranges, and mangos.
an apology echoes across the room and all is forgiven.
during his rare day-offs, diluc spends his time in the kitchen making strawberry pancakes.
when you finally enter the kitchen, he's behind the island counter smiling at your drowsy form.
“good morning ‘luc.” you yawn, stretching your stiffened limbs as you sit on a barstool.
“did you sleep well, love?” he’d ask while setting a plate of pancakes topped with strawberries and whipped cream in front of you.
his smile turns into a grin as your eyes lit up, “i did.” you took your first bite and sighed in delight.
“i love your strawberry pancakes, luc. they’re the best.”
“you only love the pancakes?”
you shook your head and leaned over to place a swift kiss on his lips, "nope. i love the pancakes but you know i love you more."
Childe
movies are childe’s unconventional love language.
i don’t think he would realize it at first, though slowly but surely, movies start to become a language of love for him.
it starts when he and his siblings would bond over whatever movie they wanted to watch. then, he recommends different films to his friends that they would love. as he grew older, movie marathons and post-movie discussions were always an anticipated event.
i just think that childe likes geeking out about the films he loved and complaining about ones that he didn’t like with people he cares about.
he just genuinely enjoys the whole movie experience from the prep to the actual act of watching the movie, then the conversations afterward.
as for the genre of movies he’d watch, i think childe would go for action-adventures where the protagonist goes on a mission to take over the world.
he’d also like crime documentaries or horror-thrillers with an unexpected plot twist or supernatural element.
but out of all the movies there are, there are two types that ajax enjoys the most; barbie movies and disney films.
yes. barbie and disney are childe ajax tartaglia’s favorite types of movies.
you happen to find that out pretty early on into your relationship during the first date as a couple.
ajax thought it would be fun to watch “barbie as the princess and the pauper” and the high school musical trilogy as a first date.
he was a little anxious that you wouldn’t like the films he chose.
when you saw the title card for princess and the pauper, all he saw was you staring at him with a nonchalant expression. after that, a huge smile erupted from your lips.
“princess and the pauper, really?” you teased.
childe scratched the back of his head, “tonia made me watch those movies back at home and i kinda just liked them,” he looked at you with earnest eyes and asked, “you don’t like it?”
he was surprised when you squeezed his cheeks, “i like it. i like it a lot.”
all you thought was that he was endearing. absolutely endearing.
the rest of the evening was spent finishing the movies, singing duets (“i’ll be the dominick to your erika. so sweetheart, please love me for me.” “i wouldn’t date you if i didn’t, ajax.”), and fighting about which sharpay song was the best (“we can agree with ‘you are the music in me’, right?” “no.” “but babe-”).
after a successful date, every now and then childe would send movie titles that reminded him of you.
whenever you were down, he’d ask if you wanted to come over to his apartment and watch your favorite films.
if you were too busy or aren’t in the mood, he would just send a funny clip that would instantly cheer you up.
now that final exams are over, it’s certain that a movie marathon is in preparation at ajax’s apartment.
he thought it would be a nice change of pace after the hectic schedule you both had and it would be fun to spend some time with you.
and so there you both were at his living room, in front of a flat screen tv, watching 12 dancing princesses with blankets, snacks, and all the chocolate one could ever want.
right now, ajax is content just watching films and cuddling up with you. he realizes that he could do this forever and shifts just a bit closer to you.
the movie ends and you both get to see genevieve and derek’s wedding.
childe’s eyes had an amused glint as he watched the final scene and you knew instantly that there was something on his mind.
“ajax, could you tell your beloved partner whatever it is you’re thinking about?”
he suddenly pressed his lips on your cheeks and said, “i’m just thinking about our own wedding.”
“huh!?” your eyes widened at the statement, and he was grinning from ear to ear.
summary: after getting your confession rejected by certain funeral parlor consultant, you take a visit to wangshu inn to see xiao. he isn’t impressed by the current situation presented to him.
notes: i’ll probably edit this since it’s been so long since i’ve written something. i’m sorry if it’s absolute shite. nonetheless, this is a super self-indulgent fic and i hope you enjoy it as much as i’ve enjoyed writing. cheers!
“He’s a fool.” Xiao murmured as he ate the almond tofu prepared by you.
“Huh? What do you mean?” Your eyebrows furrowed as the yaksha suddenly filled the silence with a single statement. He looked at you for a moment and finished the dessert, setting the empty bowl next to him.
You and Xiao were currently at one of Wangshu Inn’s terraces, sitting at the edge of the terrace floor with wooden railings situated between you and the vast expanse below. The sun was setting when you decided to visit your self-proclaimed best friend to tell him the story about a confession that was met with a painful rejection. Of course, that story was yours.
“You already know what I mean, [Name].” He looked down at the waterscape below with what seemed to be annoyance adorning his face.
You tilt your head in confusion, aware that he could see the gesture from the corner of his eyes. The man sighed and uttered one word that answered your question, “Zhongli.”
So, that was what’s plaguing his mind. Turning towards the sky, you hummed in response as there was nothing to say. You’ve said your piece to the consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and confessed the ever-growing feelings you had for him.
If there was a word to describe the confession, it was spontaneous, that was for sure. You winced a little just thinking about it.
“I’ve fallen for you.”
Those words were uttered during one of your evening walks with Zhongli, when the urge to confess was suddenly stronger than the cowardice that chained your heart. It was a regular occurrence for the people of Liyue to see you and the man walking side by side around the harbor, talking about Archons know what.
Zhongli stopped in his tracks and froze beside you. You didn’t know if that was because he was surprised at your unexpected confession or because he was finding the right words to reject you as kindly as he could. You were hoping it was the former then he would just drop the subject. Or maybe it was both and he was just taking his time to let you down easy.
With a heavy heart, you took your eyes away from Zhongli and gazed at the moon as you prepared for the heartbreak that was about to come. It was a cold night at the harbor and a cool gust of wind blew from the tranquil sea that oversaw your exchange with Zhongli.
Your hands instinctively wrapped around your arms and before you realized it, there was a warmth that enveloped your body. It took a moment before you registered that it was from Zhongli’s coat. Its weight on your shoulders was assuring and the warmth from it comforting.
You trailed your eyes away from the moon and looked back at the man who received your confession. Rather than seeing his face laced with distaste, there was a small but sympathetic smile. The words behind that smile you loved oh so much were unmistakable, “I’m sorry.” It seemed to say.
Ah. You knew it was coming, but the endless what-if scenarios of rejection couldn’t prepare you for the sheer reality that was in front of you right now. That reality was as clear as day on his face, his feelings weren’t the same as yours.
“[Name],” His amber eyes locked onto yours and you took an uneasy breath. Taking a small step back, you tried composing yourself; however, the blur of your vision betrayed you. Zhongli took notice of this and cradled your face in his hands. In any other scenario, this would send your heart into a frenzy, but right now? It only served as a catalyst for you to dissolve into tears.
“It… it would be better if you were to not have affections for me.” His hands reluctantly dropped back to his side and straight away, you replaced them with yours. While you were shielding your weeping eyes from his view, he whispered, “I apologize.”
You could only think back on the memory with an ache in your heart. Sometimes, you questioned whether it was even a good idea to risk the friendship you had with the consultant for feelings that were evidently unrequited. However, what’s done is done and now, you can only think of a way to recover the relationship you had with Zhongli before the events that transpired.
You leaned into the railings and answered Xiao, “It’s not like I can change how Zhongli feels about me.”
He only gave you a look of irritation and muttered something under his breath. You couldn’t catch what it was and asked him to repeat his words. Xiao didn’t hide the agitation on his face as he answered you, “I said, Zhongli li-”
“I’ve been looking all over the harbor for you, [Name].”
Before Xiao could finish his sentence, he was disrupted by a deep voice that held a relieved tone.
You and Xiao turned back towards the source and at the entrance of the terrace, you saw a tall figure approaching. Anyone could tell that it was Zhongli who entered. Who else possessed those glowing amber eyes and a voice so deep it could shake mountains?
You felt your heart squeeze the closer he got. You weren’t sure if it was because you had to face the aftermath of your last conversation, or if it was because of those lips that held a gentle curve.
“It’s because I have to confront him. It’s definitely that.” You convinced your mind. “Please stop beating so fast.” You told your heart.
Zhongli stopped his steps and bent down to meet your current height. “Shall I accompany you back?” He asked you, eyes hesitant but hopeful as he waited for an answer.
You looked away and faced the terrace’s view once more. Your hands gripped the railings as you considered your options. Right now, you could say yes and enjoy another one of your excursions with Zhongli, though it is accompanied by the added fear of him bringing up your feelings. Or you could reject him and keep sitting with Xiao until dawn came. This one, meanwhile, had the added bonus of what-if scenarios filling up your mind. It was an easy decision for you.
“Zhongli, I’ll be fine. You can go back and I can stay here.” You assured him, heart still racing with how little distance there was between him and you.
“It’s already very late, I can walk you home.” He urged.
You did not budge and your grip on the railings only became tighter. You should’ve known that he wouldn’t take no for an answer, especially if it came to your safety.
Zhongli studied your figure and stood up. It seemed that you were extra stubborn today. “Xiao cannot look after you the whole night.” He reasoned.
You immediately turned your head towards Xiao to ask him, “I can stay here, right?” Your voice was clear and composed, but the glint in your eyes pleaded for him to agree. You couldn’t take another minute near Zhongli’s presence, not when you felt like your heart was about to burst.
“Zhongli’s correct, [Name]. It’s late.”
You blinked at the yaksha as his words registered in your head. Once you realized that your final resort was gone, your eyes widened and the grip you had on the railings loosened. Your mind was now running on thoughts of hitting Xiao and how you’d face Zhongli, seeing as he still had an effect on you, a frustrating effect that made your face flush and your heart skip a beat.
Knowing it was a lost battle, you took your legs back from the edge and stood up, brushing the non-existent dust off your clothes.
“You didn’t need to fetch me, you know?” You said, still preoccupied with your already neat garments.
“I could’ve even asked Verr to give me a room for the night.” You mumbled softly. You had no idea how long you were going to do this act, but if it meant less contact with Zhongli, then Archons you’ll keep making yourself look like an idiot.
Unfortunately for you, the man had other plans. Before you knew it, your hands were captured by larger ones, taking your focus away from the clothes. Your head shot up and you were met with amber pools. A few seconds passed before you averted your gaze, heat creeping up towards your face as you inwardly cursed.
Zhongli released your hands and cleared his throat. Hearing the sound, you took a glance and noticed that his hand was extended towards you, “Shall we go?”
“You aren’t going to take no for an answer anyway.” You huffed, blushing pink.
Before you placed your hand in his, you took in the man that was Zhongli. At the sight of those amber orbs, brown locks, and pink lips, you felt your breath hitch and your stomach fill with butterflies.
“He’s truly a sight to behold.” You thought.
And for Xiao who kept his attention towards you and Zhongli, he could testify that truly, the former Geo archon was a sight to behold.
“It’s strange.” He thought.
The yaksha’s intense gaze was dead set on Zhongli, who was too preoccupied with your person to even feel a pair of golden orbs observing his face and piercing his back.
Currently, you were discreetly eyeing a plant in front of you while Zhongli was stifling a laugh. Xiao examined the look on latter's face and recalled a conversation he had with him.
“Would you ever fall for a mortal?”
“Why do you ask that?”
“It was just a thought that passed my mind.”
“Now that I am in this form, there is a chance… however, I cannot fathom the many hardships a god and human could face if they were to have romantic relations.”
“And if they still wanted you despite the fact?”
“...I would rather keep those feelings in check, Xiao.”
Despite what he had told the Adeptus, the fondness in those glowing eyes wasn't what he would describe as “Keeping those feelings in check.”
The anemo user studied Zhongli’s face once more and there was no denying it. The gentle smile that adorned his lips when he saw you acting bashful? That lovestruck expression on his face? The same one that Xiao recalled the lovers in Wangshu Inn gave each other, now directed towards you by the same man who rejected your confession? There could only be one reason for that.
No matter what you call him, whether it be the Lord of Geo, Morax, Rex Lapis, or Zhongli. No matter how you know him, the ruthless war god from a time passed or the funeral parlor consultant who’s a bit too knowledgeable. There was only one constant at this place and at this moment in time – Zhongli was absolutely smitten with the mortal in front of him.
“He’s a fool. An absolute fool.” Xiao whispered.
Little do you know about how Zhongli felt when you told him those four words. If only you looked at his face that night at Liyue Harbor, you’d see the pained expression of a man who longed to embrace you amidst the chill of night. His voice yearning to tell you comforting words and that he, too, had fallen for you.
